Classic Baked Ziti Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort Food

Few dishes feel as satisfying and comforting as a homemade baked ziti. This Italian-American favorite combines hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella in a bubbling casserole that’s guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family alike.

Perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or just an indulgent Sunday supper, this recipe brings all the flavor of lasagna without the layering fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 pound Italian sausage

• Two 14.5-ounce cans tomato or marinara sauce

• One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes with juice

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 pound ziti pasta

• 1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, grated

• One 15-ounce tub whole-milk ricotta

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

• 2 eggs

Directions

1. Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain most of the fat, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Stir in the tomato sauce, whole tomatoes with their juice (breaking them up slightly), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reserve 3–4 cups of the sauce in a separate bowl and let it cool.

2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until it's just shy of al dente remember, it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of grated mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir just enough to blend (don’t overmix you want pockets of ricotta).

4. Assemble the Casserole
Toss the cooled pasta into the cheese mixture, folding gently. Add the reserved meat sauce and combine again.

Layer half of this cheesy pasta mixture into a large casserole or lasagna dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with half of the leftover mozzarella. Repeat with the rest of the pasta, sauce, and cheese.

5. Bake and Serve
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the ziti uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips for Success

• Undercook the pasta slightly to prevent it from getting mushy while baking.

• Use high-quality tomatoes especially whole peeled ones for a richer, more authentic sauce.

• Make it ahead assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

• Vegetarian version swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

Why It Works

Baked ziti hits all the right notes of a comfort dish: melty cheese, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an ideal meal for family-style dinners and keeps well for leftovers. One serving provides a hearty balance of protein, carbs, and satisfying flavor.

This dish also offers the flexibility to customize the ingredients like using different cheeses, types of sausage, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

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